U.S. patent number 5,632,708 [Application Number 08/549,917] was granted by the patent office on 1997-05-27 for resistance apparatus for exercise equipment.
Invention is credited to Ford B. Draper, Jr., William T. Wilkinson.
United States Patent |
5,632,708 |
Wilkinson , et al. |
May 27, 1997 |
Resistance apparatus for exercise equipment
Abstract
Improved cycling apparatus is provided wherein the improvement
comprises at least one elastic band, one end of which is affixed to
the cycling apparatus at a desired location, the other end of the
elastic band providing resistive force against exertion upon the
band by one extremity of a user of the cycling apparatus. In a
preferred embodiment, the cycling apparatus includes two elastic
bands, one end of each elastic band being affixed to the frame of
the apparatus, the other end of each elastic band having handle
gripping means affixed thereto for gripping by the hands of the
user. The bands provide resistive force against exertion upon these
bands by the arms and hands of the user of the apparatus, thereby
providing simultaneous, vigorous exercise for the arms, hands and
upper body, as well as for the legs and lower body. In alternate
embodiments, improved stair/step climbing and treadmill apparatus
are provided, the improvement comprising at least one elastic band,
one end of the elastic band being affixed to the apparatus at a
desired location, the other end of the elastic band having handle
gripping means affixed thereto for gripping by a hand of the user.
Two elastic bands are preferred, one for each hand of the user. The
bands provide resistive force against exertion upon the band by the
arms and hands of the user of the apparatus resulting in
simultaneous, vigorous exercise for both upper and lower body.
Inventors: |
Wilkinson; William T.
(Chesapeake City, MD), Draper, Jr.; Ford B. (Wilmington,
DE) |
Family
ID: |
26782860 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/549,917 |
Filed: |
October 30, 1995 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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359345 |
Dec 19, 1994 |
5476431 |
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130776 |
Oct 4, 1993 |
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818350 |
Jan 9, 1992 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/0004 (20130101); A63B 21/055 (20130101); A63B
21/0552 (20130101); A63B 22/0012 (20130101); A63B
23/047 (20130101); A63B 22/0605 (20130101); A63B
21/4015 (20151001); A63B 21/4049 (20151001); A63B
22/0005 (20151001); A63B 21/00061 (20130101); A63B
21/00069 (20130101); A63B 21/0435 (20130101); A63B
21/0442 (20130101); A63B 21/0555 (20130101); A63B
21/0557 (20130101); A63B 22/0056 (20130101); A63B
22/02 (20130101); A63B 2022/0041 (20130101); A63B
2069/165 (20130101); A63B 2071/025 (20130101); A63B
2071/027 (20130101); A63B 2208/0204 (20130101); A63B
2208/0228 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/055 (20060101); A63B 21/02 (20060101); A63B
22/08 (20060101); A63B 22/06 (20060101); A63B
22/00 (20060101); A63B 23/12 (20060101); A63B
22/02 (20060101); A63B 23/04 (20060101); A63B
23/035 (20060101); A63B 69/16 (20060101); A63B
022/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/51,52,53,54,130,121-126,129,127 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crow; Stephen R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Connolly & Hutz
Parent Case Text
This application is a divisional application of application Ser.
No. 08/359,345 filed Dec. 19, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,431,
which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/130,776 filed Oct. 4, 1993
now abandoned, which is a division of Ser. No. 07/818,350 filed
Jan. 9, 1992, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of performing foot and arm exercises standing on a
stepping apparatus comprising a user standing on said stepping
apparatus wherein said stepping apparatus comprises a frame, a pair
of steps connected to said frame and at least one elastic band, one
end of said elastic band being affixed to said stepping apparatus
and the other end of said elastic band being free to grasp by a
user:
placing the user's feet on said steps whereby said user pushes said
steps with said feet to move said steps in an up and down motion;
and at the same time said user grips one end of said band with said
user's hand and said user pulls upwardly on said band to stretch to
a desired length against the resistance of said elastic band and
then allows the band to contract back to the original position
wherein the band pulls the user's hand toward the end of said band
affixed to said stepping apparatus and the user repeats the
stretching and contraction of said band and the stepping on the
steps until the user has achieved the desired workout.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two elastic
bands connected to said stepping apparatus and the user grips in
one hand one end of said band and each of the user's hands has a
different band.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stepping apparatus
further comprises a belt attached to said frame, whereby the belt
can encircle the user and provide balance and stability.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user pulls said
band toward the user while facing said stepping apparatus.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end of said band
which is affixed to the stepping apparatus is affixed at a position
below the user's shoulders but above the user's waist when the user
is standing on said stepping apparatus.
6. In an improved method of performing exercising by a user
standing on the steps of a stepping apparatus, wherein said
stepping apparatus comprises a frame, a step assembly mounted to
said frame and said step assembly comprises a pair of steps the
improvement being in providing at least one elastic band, affixing
one end of said elastic band to said frame and the other end of
said elastic band being free to grasp by a user, placing the user's
feet on said steps, the user moving said steps with the user's
feet, the user gripping said elastic band with the user's hands,
the user pulling said band to stretch said band in opposition to a
resistive force against exertion upon said band the user permitting
the band to contract, and repeatedly stretching and contracting the
band while stepping on the step assembly with the user's feet to
simultaneously perform leg and arm exercises.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein there are two elastic
bands, one end of each of said elastic bands being affixed to said
stepping apparatus at a desired location, and the other end of each
said elastic bands being gripped by the user's hands having one end
of each of said bands in a different hand.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stepping apparatus
further comprises a belt attached to said frame, whereby the belt
can encircle the user and provide balance and stability.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the user pulls said
band toward the user while facing said stepping apparatus.
10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said end of said band
which is affixed to the stepping apparatus is affixed at a position
below the user's shoulders but above the user's waist when the user
is standing on said stepping apparatus.
11. A method of performing foot and arm exercises standing on a
stepping apparatus comprising a user standing on said stepping
apparatus wherein said stepping apparatus comprises a frame, a pair
of steps connected to said frame and at least one elastic band, one
end of said elastic band being affixed to said stepping apparatus
and the other end of said elastic band being free to grasp by a
user:
placing the user's feet on said steps whereby said user pushes said
steps with said feet to move said steps in an up and down motion;
and at the same time said user grips one end of said band with said
user's hand; the other end of said band is affixed to the stepping
apparatus at a position below the user's shoulders but above the
user's waist when the user is standing on said stepping apparatus
and said user pulls upwardly on said band to stretch to a desired
length against the resistance of said elastic band and then allows
the band to contract back to the original position wherein the band
pulls the user's hand toward the end of said band affixed to said
stepping apparatus and the user repeats the stretching and
contraction of said band and the stepping on the steps until the
user has achieved the desired workout.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the user pulls said
band toward the user while standing on said steps and facing said
frame of said stepping apparatus.
13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein there are two
elastic bands connected to said stepping apparatus and the user
grips in one hand one end of said band and each of the user's hands
has a different band.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stepping
apparatus further comprises a belt attached to said frame, whereby
the belt can encircle the user and provide balance and stability.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to exercise apparatus. In particular,
the invention relates to apparatus for simultaneously exercising
both legs and both arms. The exercise apparatus is especially
suited for use in combination with a bicycle, either a conventional
bicycle ("bike") to be ridden outdoors, or to a stationary, indoor
exercise bike. The invention is also suitable for use in
combination with stair/step climbing exercise devices, for example,
mechanical stair step climbing devices which generally are provided
with a hand rail to be used for balance only, which rails provide
virtually no exercise for the arms of the user. In addition, the
invention is suitable for use in combination with a treadmill.
Conventional outdoor biking involves pedalling the bike with legs
and feet to propel oneself across the terrain. The cyclist's arms
are used to steer the bike, and the arms get little or no exercise
during conventional cycling.
Stationary, indoor exercise bicycles are well known. Most of these
devices provide exercise for the lower body, legs, only. Upper body
exercise is known to increase heart rate and energy expenditure at
a greater rate than lower body exercise. Maximum overall beneficial
results are achieved by exercising both upper and lower body
simultaneously, for example, in swimming, because exertion is
spread over a larger muscle mass, resulting in moderation of rise
in blood pressure.
Several exercise cycles are available which provide for exercising
both upper and lower body. Prior patents also are directed to
cycling apparatus which provides for exercising both upper and
lower body. Several of these prior devices are described in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,705,269, issued Nov. 10, 1987. That patent describes
apparatus, including upper and lower body exercising assemblies,
which are operable in isolation or in conjunction with each other.
The upper body assembly includes rotary handle members which rotate
a driving sprocket. The upper driving sprocket in turn rotates an
upper driven sprocket which is connected via two additional
sprockets and an endless chain to the wheel of the lower body
exercising assembly. The lower body assembly is a conventional
exercise bicycle including rotary foot pedals for rotating a lower
driving sprocket which in turn rotates a lower driven sprocket
connected to the wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,377 discloses bicycling apparatus including a
bicycle handle bar grip and handle mounted individually on the ends
of a coil spring. The ends of the coil spring extend into the
bicycle handle bar grip and handle longitudinally. The bicycle
handle bar grip is equipped with a round longitudinal orifice to
allow attachment to the end of any bicycle or stationary bicycle
handle bar. When the bicycle handle bar grip is attached to a
bicycle, the user or rider of the bicycle can exercise his or her
hands by squeezing the handle toward the bicycle handle bar grip
while simultaneously exercising the legs when riding.
Outdoor cycling may cover many types of terrain. Often the biker
need not exert himself unduly, despite his seeking of exercise.
This is especially true on a flat course or when cycling
downhill.
There is a need, then, to increase the amount of exercise a biker
can attain on any given ride, by means which are convenient,
effective and inexpensive. The present invention provides apparatus
for exercising both upper and lower body simultaneously to maximize
the beneficial results achievable from such exercise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Improved cycling apparatus is provided wherein the improvement
comprises at least one elastic band, one end of the elastic band
being affixed to the cycling apparatus at a desired location, the
other end of the elastic band providing resistive force against
exertion upon the band by one extremity of a user of the cycling
apparatus.
Preferably, two elastic bands are provided, one end of each elastic
band being affixed to the cycling apparatus at a desired location,
the other end of each elastic band providing resistive force
against exertion upon each band by each of two extremities of a
user of the cycling apparatus. In one embodiment, one end of each
elastic band is affixed to the cycling apparatus beneath the seat
thereof and the other end of each elastic band is affixed,
respectively, to each of the pedals of the bicycle.
Alternatively, the other end of each elastic band may be affixed to
each of the lower legs at the feet or ankles of a user of the
cycling apparatus.
In a further embodiment, the apparatus is of the stationary,
indoor, exercise type, and the improvement comprises two elastic
bands, one end of each elastic band being affixed to the frame of
the apparatus, the other end of each elastic band having handle
gripping means affixed thereto for gripping by the hands of the
user. The bands provide resistive force against exertion upon the
bands by the arms and hands of the user of the apparatus, thereby
providing simultaneous upper and lower body exercise.
An inelastic band passing through friction brake means mounted at a
desired location on the apparatus may also provide resistive force
against exertion upon the band by the arms and hands of the user
pulling the band back and forth through the friction brake
means.
The elastic bands according to the invention may also be used in
combination with stair climbing apparatus or treadmill apparatus to
provide simultaneous exercise for both upper and lower body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional outdoor bicycle
equipped with the resistive bands of the invention in such a way as
to increase the resistive force against pedalling.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a conventional bike placed in blocks
such that the rear wheel spins upon pedalling, but the bicycle does
not move forward, and wherein resistive bands are affixed to the
handlebar providing for arm and hand exercise upon pulling, as
shown.
FIG. 3 schematically depicts a rider on a stationary exercise
bicycle equipped with elastic bands according to the invention
wherein one end of each band is anchored at the rear base frame of
the apparatus and the other end of each band is equipped with
handles which are gripped by the rider and pulled repeatedly to
provide arm and upper body exercise.
FIG. 4 depicts the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 3 wherein the
elastic bands are disposed under the handlebar to provide a
different mode of exercise for the user.
FIG. 5 schematically depicts the elastic bands anchored to the rear
frame of the apparatus and extending to the pedals so as to
increase the resistive force against pedalling.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a stationary exercise bicycle
having a friction brake mechanism affixed to the handlebar and
having an inelastic band or cord running therethrough such that the
rider may exercise his arms and upper body by pulling the cord back
and forth through the brake mechanism.
FIG. 7 schematically depicts simulated stair step climbing
apparatus wherein elastic bands affixed to the forward frame enable
the user to exercise his arms as shown, the belt encircling the
user being provided for stability.
FIG. 8 schematically depicts treadmill apparatus wherein elastic
bands affixed to the frame enable the user to exercise his arms as
shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
Improved cycling apparatus is provided wherein the improvement
comprises at least one elastic band, one end of which is affixed to
the cycling apparatus at a desired location, the other end of the
elastic band providing resistive force against exertion upon the
band by one extremity of a user of the cycling apparatus. In a
preferred embodiment, the cycling apparatus includes two elastic
bands, one end of each elastic band being affixed to the frame of
the apparatus, the other end of each elastic band having handle
gripping means affixed thereto for gripping by the hands of the
user. The bands provide resistive force against exertion upon these
bands by the arms and hands of the user of the apparatus, thereby
enabling the apparatus to provide simultaneous exercise for the
arms, hands and upper body, as well as for the legs and lower body.
In alternate embodiments, improved stair/step climbing and
treadmill apparatus are provided, the improvement comprising at
least one elastic band, one end of the elastic band being affixed
to the apparatus at a desired location, the other end of the
elastic band having handle gripping means affixed thereto for
gripping by a hand of the user. The band provides resistive force
against exertion upon the band by the arm and hand of the user of
the apparatus resulting in simultaneous exercise for both upper and
lower body.
The invention provides a convenient and economical method by which
all bikers can increase the effort needed to bike and, thus,
increase the amount of their exercise. The biker can get more
exercise in less time. This is generally accomplished by one or
more elastic bands/cords being attached to the pedals or to the
biker's legs/feet/shoes, while the other end of the band is
attached to some part of the bike, e.g., the frame, axle, wheels,
seat or handlebars. The band(s) also could be attached to the
rider. The bands can be of a fixed length or they can be
adjustable. The bands may also be nonelastic, and resistance may be
provided by a pulley and friction brake mechanism. The band/cords
may be detachable or they may be permanently affixed to a bike.
Also, bands may be of different strength/tension so that a biker
could vary the resistance as desired.
In a preferred form, two bands are attached to the back of the
pedals of a conventional bike, and the other ends are affixed
underneath the seat. As the biker pedals, he must pedal harder to
overcome the extra resistance of the elastic cords and he thus gets
more exercise. The bands are easily detached when regular, less
vigorous pedalling is desired.
Another popular form of cycling is performed indoors on stationary
exercise bicycles. The biker can adjust the tension/resistance
against his legs to achieve different levels of exercise. However,
indoor cycling, like outdoor cycling, is not "total" exercise,
because the upper body and arms are not exercised.
There is, then, a need in bicycling to exercise the arms so that
the biker can get more exercise in less time, and also so that the
biker can get a more "total" workout involving the upper body.
As stated, the invention involves the use of an elastic band(s)
that is attached to/grasped by the user's hands. The other end(s)
can be attached to some part of the indoor exercise bike, e.g.,
frame, seat, handlebars or pedals.
While at rest or pedalling, the user can also perform various
pumping/pulling arm exercises in part or where the end of the cord
is attached.
In a preferred embodiment, an elastic band is grasped in each hand
of the user with ends attached at the back base of the bike. The
arms are then pumped up and down or, if the bands are run forwardly
through the handlebars and back to the user, pumped in a back and
forth motion.
The invention enhances either an indoor or outdoor bike workout
and, at the same time, helps to relieve boredom.
A detailed description of the invention and preferred embodiments
is best provided with reference to the drawings wherein FIG. 1 is a
schematic representation of a conventional bicycle equipped with
the bands according to the invention. The bicycle depicted in FIG.
1 includes frame 10, rear wheel 12, front wheel 14, handlebar 16,
seat 18 and pedals 20. The elastic bands or cords 22 according to
the invention are affixed at their one end beneath seat 18 by
fastening means 21 and each is affixed at their other end to a
respective pedal 20, as shown. As the bicycle is pedalled, the
elastic bands 22, in their stretched state, exert an additional
resistive force against pedalling, thereby increasing the force
required to propel the bicycle and increasing the amount of energy
expended and exercise acquired.
Elastic bands or cords 22 may be of any suitable elastic material.
Bungee cords, rubber bands, shock cords or coiled elastic metal
springs are all possibilities.
FIG. 2 shows a conventional bicycle with its rear wheel placed in
blocks 30 so that it may be used as a stationary exercise bicycle.
Pedalling will turn rear wheel 12 against a set resistance, but the
bicycle will remain stationary and not move forward. In FIG. 2, the
bands 22 of the invention are affixed at their one end to handlebar
16 by fastening means 21. Handles 23 at the other end of bands 22
are gripped by the rider. While pedalling the bicycle, the rider
gains arm and upper body exercise simultaneously by repeatedly
pulling on bands 22.
FIG. 3 shows the elastic bands of the invention adapted to an
indoor, stationary exercise bicycle. The exercise bicycle is
schematically represented by frame 26 and resistance wheel 28 which
rotates against an adjustable resistance mechanism by pushing
pedals 20. The bands 22 of the invention are fastened at their one
end at the lower rear of frame 26 by anchor means 25. Handle
gripping means 23 at the other end of each band 22 are gripped by
rider 24, and repeated pulling on these bands by the rider while
cycling provides both upper and lower body exercise, i.e., total
body exercise.
FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of use of the bands of the
invention with a stationary exercise bike. In this embodiment, the
bands 22 are passed under the handlebar 16 as shown and present a
pulling mode of exercise for rider 24. Again, repeated pulling on
bands 22 while pedalling provides simultaneous upper and lower body
exercise.
FIG. 5, like FIG. 1 using an outdoor bicycle, depicts adaption of
bands 22 to a stationary bike in a manner to increase the
resistance to pedalling.
FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment wherein band 22, which may
be inelastic, is passed through adjustable friction brake means 17,
whereby back and forth pulling of band 22 provides a still further
mode of upper body and arm exercise while simultaneously
cycling.
FIG. 7 depicts a still further embodiment of the elastic bands of
the invention adapted to fit a simulated stair step climbing
apparatus, generally shown as 32. The apparatus 32 has base 34 and
frame 35 and steps 36. Attached to the frame 35 are the elastic
bands 22 of the invention which, when repeatedly pulled while
"climbing" the stairs, provide simultaneous upper and lower body
exercise. Belt 38, attached to frame 35, encircles the user 24 and
provides balance and stability.
FIG. 8 depicts a further embodiment of the elastic bands of the
invention adapted to fit a treadmill apparatus 40. The apparatus 40
has a moving treadmill 42 as indicated by the arrow, and frame 44.
Attached to the frame 44 are the elastic bands 22 of the invention
which, when repeatedly pulled while walking or running on the
treadmill, provide simultaneous upper and lower body exercise.
While the invention has been disclosed herein in connection with
certain embodiments and detailed descriptions, it will be clear to
one skilled in the art that modifications or variations of such
details can be made without deviating from the gist of this
invention, and such modifications or variations are considered to
be within the scope of the claims hereinbelow.
* * * * *